High Notes, Vol 5 No 31, September 24 2004

From the Principal

The AAGPS Athletics Carnival
The major athletics event on our calendar was held in beautiful weather at the Athletics Stadium at
Homebush last Saturday. Congratulations to Paul Watzlaff for his emphatic win in the open 3000m. In
the U-16 shot, Roger Burrell was second. Gehan Karunaratne won the U-14 long jump. Danny Ng was 3rd
in the U-14 high jump. Nelson Ridges ran 3rd in the U-13 100m. Division. My thanks go to all the
boys who showed true High spirit to complete their events even when significantly behind other
competitors: for example, Edward Ovadia, Yinan Zhang, Ian Kwok, Tom Kaldor and David Clayton. Well
done boys. We really need to build up our technical skill and tactics in various events so that we
can be more competitive overall in years to come.

My thanks are extended on behalf of the school to: Mr Devlin for his administration of athletics,
to Mr Baldock for his organisation of the school-based athletics program, to the support team at
the major carnivals, and to Messrs Gainford, Creer and Adams, who provided invaluable assistance to
the MIC. We are looking forward to next season with some extra facilities and a streamlined
structure. In the meantime students should regard athletics as a year round endeavour. Base line
fitness comes from doing the kilometres each week.

Karl Kramp Debating Final
On Friday, 10 September, High took on Gosford High School in the state final of the Karl Kramp
debating competition at the Power House Museum. The topic was: That the border protection policy is
working. Gosford defended the proposition, taking the line that the border protection policy was
keeping Australia safe and was establishing a just and fair system for all. The first speaker
included the detection, detaining and processing of boat people in her definition of border
protection. She asserted that the policy was fulfilling its aims because illegal immigrants were
not getting to Australia and there was a lack of success by terrorists in Australia. She defended
the policy on the grounds that in tumultuous times a policy of deterrence was necessary. The
Australian Embassy in Jakarta had just been bombed. The policy was fair for refugees. Mandatory
detention was necessary to sort out legitimate refugees. Gabriel McManus opened for the negative by
claiming that terrorists came to Australia by legal means in airline seats and not on leaky boats.
He claimed the border protection policy was a short sighted solution for a short term political
gain. Moreover, it operated in an inefficient, inhumane manner by detaining people sometimes for
years and by imprisoning innocent children. He asserted that processing procedures were too slow,
that money was wasted and that our resources to protect Australia were being channelled into the
wrong areas. Immigrants are concentrated in urban areas. Any terrorist threat is likely to come
from the cities. He proposed an alternative, the Swiss Model, where detainees are processed in a
couple of weeks and allowed into the community, where their movements are traced by a reporting
system. Gosford's second speaker objected to assertions about Australia's policies as being lax and
wasteful. She said that Australia only takes 2.5 months on average to process detainees and $136
per day to keep them. She claimed that the Swiss Model doesn't even work in Switzerland and that
absconders in Australia would be difficult to keep track of. She alluded to the UN and its
agreements on immigration, emphasising the need for careful, fair processing of claims to establish
legitimacy. Tom Kaldor objected that the affirmative had overplayed the link between terrorism and
refugees, reiterating the claim that legal migrants and backpackers overstaying their visas were
more of a security problem than forlorn refugees in leaky boats. He claimed border policy was
politicised and flawed. Detainees should not be held for so long. He referred to hunger strikes,
sewing lips together and to the Nauru case of a single individual held in custody at wasteful
expense. The third affirmative raised the issue of Willie Brigitte proving that the interception of
illegals is working. She posed the problems on the USA-Mexico border as an example of what happens
when border protection policy is lax. She claimed backpackers as people that we know and hardly a
threat to Australia. William Clegg was all fired up on defence policy in general and had strong
views on border protection. He slammed into the affirmative's case on fairness and justice. He
demolished the notion that our border protection policy is an appropriate system in the context of
their definition. He turned the Brigitte example on its head by asserting that his case proved the
threat to Australia was from passengers on commercial flights not fishing boats. I really enjoyed
the debate which was won well by our team. The boys worked a straightforward rebuttal and counter
argument with skill. This was only our 9th. victory in the competition since its inception in
1953.

Year 12 Farewell Assembly
The Class of 2004 left in style on Tuesday afternoon. A large crowd of parents was able to share
with the school in witnessing Year 12 being clapped out of the school. Sriram Srikumar and Gabriel
McManus spoke insightfully about the school's perceptions of Year 12 students. Tom Miller stressed
the importance of grasping the opportunities offered at High and thanked his Year for their
support. Mr Prorellis, the Year 12 Adviser, spoke warmly about his relationship with the Year and
about their stages of development at High. He was presented with a Senior Jersey as a memento of
the occasion. Tom Hoare delivered an oration about his life's journey in the context of association
with High. He tried to evoke the spirit and culture of each succeeding year at school. He touched
on personalities and events that shaped his cohort's experience. It was a spirited effort of epic
proportion. The presentation of the cheque for $11,450 to Father Chris Riley's Foundation "Youth
Off the Streets" was a proud moment for the boys. An enjoyable afternoon tea rounded off
proceedings. My farewell address is reprinted below.

This is another day of celebration for the High Family. As parents, teachers or fellow students, we
take time out on this last day of formal secondary schooling for Year 12, to honour them as a group
and to reflect upon what they have achieved together. It is our hope as an institution that we
stood for something in the lives of our departing students - that we had an impact upon them. If
the school provided nothing more than a place in which to learn and teachers to provide
instruction, High would not be the school we believe it to be. This school is unique because of its
combination of students, teachers, parents, old boys, curriculum and location. Each year that
mixture creates its own identity within a context of the same buildings, much the same routines and
many of the same teachers. Diversity of self and group expression is encouraged within a framework
of common aspirations and shared goals.

The class of 2004 will be remembered for a number of outstanding achievements. I am particularly
impressed by the great efforts made last week to collect money for charity as a signature effort of
Year 12 as a cohort. You raised nearly three times the amount that the class of 2001 did when it
pioneered this type of end of year activity. Congratulations to all boys who participated. I would
like to thank the School Prefects and their executive, Tom Miller, Liam Bennett and Tom Lung for
their efforts in representing the school and modelling its values.

Ivan Guo has an unparalleled record in mathematics competitions. Tom Miller placed at the national
schools swimming championship, and with Barry Dubovsky won a GPS medley relay. Daniel Wodak reached
the state final in public speaking and was in the state squad for debating. Ilia Zvedeniouk was the
mainstay of our chess team that won the state schools title. Michael Hayes and Tim Neville
delivered back to back GPS tennis premierships. Clement Lau and Kapil Khanna were involved in our
1st and 2nd grade volleyball premiership winning squad.

The traditions of our school and the quality of its sporting and co-curricular performances are
reliant upon boys like these. Thank you to all those boys who competed in both seasons of sport at
whatever level. High standard performance is supported by depth of participation. You are the role
models for the next cohort of boys to emulate. Our expectations are that more than a third of our
Year 12 students will compete in both seasons at first or second grade level.

In many ways High boys are fortunate to have experienced such a strong culture of academic
achievement, sportsmanship, involvement in the arts and languages, participation in democratic
leadership and governance structures and contribution to community through school service and
charity work. Your unique school history, ethos and multicultural student body, combined with your
shared strong intellectual abilities, should anchor you firmly through life to the values and
traditions experienced here.

Herman Hesse once observed that "knowledge can be communicated but not wisdom". You young men have
acquired a lot of knowledge. Your years at High have accelerated that process of acquisition. Life
experiences will teach you judgement and the value of ethical behaviour. Right thinking leads to
moral decision making and to right action.

Australian society needs you to grow further in your tertiary studies and subsequent careers so
that you can share in determining what kind of future Australians will make for themselves. I hope
that you all grow as persons and become knowledgeable and wise. I wish you all the best of fortune
in your life journeys and thank you for what you have added to the proud story of our fine
school.Dr K JaggarReturn to Index

Debating Parking

URGENT PARKING REMINDER

On Saturday 9th October - yes, it's Election Day and the last Saturday in the holidays - we have a
parking day for debating.

We need at least 12 people to assist us at SBHS from 12:30 to 3:00pm. If you haven't done parking
before, don't worry. We provide on the job training!

Please consider making this commitment for debating. Parking is the only means we have of raising
money for your son's debating. The money is used to pay for coaching and entrance fees into the GPS
competition and other debating and public speaking competitions.

Please contact me if you are available to help on 9667 1598 (H) or email:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Megan MorganReturn to Index

Back-To-School Allowance

The $50 Back-to-School Allowance for every child attending school in New South Wales will be paid
by the Department of Education and Training and is designed to help families meet some of the costs
of getting their children back to school at the start of the 2005 year.

To enable the payments to be made, schools have been asked to provide details of family and student
names and addresses. The Department proposes to forward the $50 allowance from mid-January 2005 for
students in Years 1 to 10 in 2005 and from mid-February 2005 for students in Kindergarten and Years
11 and 12 in 2005. The Allowance will be paid to the nominated parent or custodial guardian.

If yo have recently changed your address or family details, please contact the school office as
soon as possible.Return to Index

Sydney High Junior Volleyball Tournament

The final instalment of one of the most important volleyball dates in the Sydney High Volleyball
Calendar.

Plus a big thank you to all the supporters that have used the Sydney High Volleyball Noticeboard
over the years, including our friends from Tacos. As a result, that noticeboard is shutting down at
the end of the week. An end of an era!

Blue Team report
On Saturday 11th September we played in the Sydney High Tournament in the Year 7 & 8 division
at school. We entered the tournament knowing that it was going to be a tough task playing the most
experienced teams of every school.

Our first game was against our very own Year 8s (the U15s). Obviously, because of their experience
(and height) they beat us in straight sets. We put all our efforts into the match but unluckily got
defeated.

Our second game was against Foster 1. We showed our skills here with a lot of excellent serving
from James Lee, Danny Lam, Ritam Mitra and Matthew Chan. Even with all our skill and great defence,
Foster managed to break through and so we lost the deciding (third set) 13 - 15.

Our last game as a whole Blues team was against Foster 2. By now, we had gained a lot of experience
and with our attacking ability we managed to beat them in straight sets. Again there was great
serving from the whole team and that made sure we wouldn't come last.

Although the results weren't to our liking and we came fifth in our division, we have a very
promising team for future competitions.Danny Lam (Captain)Return to Index

Raffle Tickets

HOLIDAY TIME !!!

Don't forget to sell your Raffle tickets over the holidays. We need to see the new Library and
Performing Arts Space become a reality.

Remember by Friday, 15th October to return your tickets and the money to the office.

Extra tickets are available from the office.

Every full book of tickets sold will give you a chance at the $200 cash prize!

Thank you to those who have already sold a book of tickets and taken another one. Well Done.

State of the Arts

Congratulations
To Thomas Wilson for his achievement in the Grade VI Flute Exam.

Rehearsals
Students are expected to attend rehearsals during exam periods, especially tour students. Lack of
attendance will make students ineligible for their award scheme. Yes rehearsals are on the first
week of term 4.

"A LIVING LEGEND"
Grevillea Ensemble continue their 2004 Sunday Afternoon Recital Series in association with Diana
Doherty, the brilliant young principal oboist with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra who has gained
iconic status in her field
The performance will take place on Sunday October 10th at 3pm
in the Crows Nest Performing Arts Centre, Holtermann Street, Crows Nest.
Tickets: Adults $25 Seniors $15 Students $12 Children (u.16) free
October's concert will feature a performance of Berio's rarely heard Sequenza for Solo Oboe, a
virtuosic masterpiece for the instrument, combined with some folk songs settings by the same
composer and songs by Dallapiccola and Respighi.
The Australian content, which has become a feature of all Grevillea programs, is provided this time
by the world premiere of a work written specially for this concert by young Sydney composer Matthew
Orlovich, to a text from James McAuley Diana will also introduce to Sydney audiences the evocative
"Sydney Singing", a suite of movements for oboe and piano in celebration of the "Harbour City",
written by Peter Sculthorpe and first performed in London only two years ago. In similar vein are
three folk-songs settings by David Stanhope, dedicated to the memory of Percy Grainger This
fascinating program will start and finish with two superb Mozart arias for soprano with oboe
obbligato, one from the opera Zaïde and the other from The Abduction from the Seraglio. Once
again Grevillea Ensemble leads the way with the innovative and skilfully planned programming which
has become the hallmark of this popular recital series.
Further enquiries on 9351 1260, 92801780 or 0419 465 341
For more information visit the Grevillea Ensemble website http://www.grevilleaensemble.net.au

Fairland Pavilion

SPECIAL OFFER
PAVILION FOR HIRE
The serene surroundings in which the Sydney Boys High School's Fairland Pavilion at McKay Fields,
Centennial Park is set, offers a unique facility to cater for professional, commercial and family
functions

Situated within 2 kilometres of the CBD, backed by a lake and surrounded by grassed fields, the
pavilion facilitates both indoor and outdoor functions, and the ideal place to entertain your
staff, clients, family or visitors

OFFICE SEMINARS SMALL BUSINESS FORUMS FAREWELL FUNCTIONS

THINK TANKS GROUP TRAINING SESSIONS

FAMILY GET-TOGETHERS CHILDRENS PARTIES

LAUNCH OF PRODUCTS / BOOKS and SERVICES

BREAKFAST MEETINGS LUNCHEON MEETINGS

Your needs are our business as we aim to provide you entrée to a function that will have all
relaxed and participating in an invigorating environment

Note: The Fairland Pavilion is accessible from Sunrise to Sunset 7 days a week.Return to Index

Cricket

As we approach the September-October School Vacation period we are mindful of the Year 12 boys
leaving us to face the HSC Examinations in Term 4, and with sadness for the loss of several of our
talented cricketers who have helped High over the past 2 seasons become competitive in the GPS
Competition.

To all of those graduating and sitting for the HSC we in the school cricket community wish you all
the best of good fortune both in the exams and as you move to your chosen career paths.

We have some further interested coaches who will be available after the HSC and we look forward to
welcoming them onboard.

Level 1 ACCREDITATION COURSE - A Level 1 Coaching Course is to be conducted at the SCG Indoor
Centre in Mid October and students 16 years and over who would like to gain their accreditation and
assist with School teams, can contact Laurie Heil by email at….
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
and
register their interest. The cost of the course is $70.00 which includes manuals and notes and the
Cricket Sub-Committee will reimburse the Course Fee for those who qualify and assist with school
teams. It also offers a small financial return for your support.

TRANS HARBOUR COMPETITION will commence the second Tuesday of Term 4. The School will be entering
one team in the Year 7, Year 8 and Year 9 Competitions. Should you wish to nominate for any of
these teams please email the MIC Cricket in advance of the commencement of Term.4.

Year 9 BARBERIS CUP versus MELBOURNE HIGH SCHOOL is to be conducted from Tuesday December 7th and
returning on the evening of Thursday 9th December and playing 2 One Day Limited Over matches for
the Trophy. The Melbourne Year 9 Team will billet players. An application will be made for students
to attend this competition and selection is only available to Cricketers who play in either our GPS
or Trans Harbour teams.

TEAM ROSTERS- This coming season each team will be issued with a team roster so that parents can
nominate a day or days that they would be prepared to do either the manager's or scorer's role in
support of their boys. If every parent gives up their time for 3-4 hours on just one Saturday, the
roster would see a family only having to do it once for the whole season. I urge all parents to
genuinely consider this small commitment of your time to support the team in which your son plays
so that he can display his ability to you. You don't have to be a "cricket tragic" to assist the
boys with their pads and help them get ready to bat as a manager, and scoring books will have
"quick reference sheets" to assist scorers. Enjoy some quality time with your son, as we, as their
coaches, enjoy their company and enthusiasm.

The CRICKET WEBSITE can be found at www.sydneyboyscricket.info and all coaches, players and parents
are invited to use this medium to keep up to date with our busy summer season . Team selections,
results, contacts. High Notes as well as coaching hints, meeting dates and current events all
appear on our site.Laurie Heil
MIC Cricket
School mobile 0417 497 156
Email
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Return to Index

Rifle Shooting

ADFC RIFLE TEAM - BISLEY 2004

The Schools Meeting. This is the competition for the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) including Sea
cadets (with a Royal Marine Cadet element), Army cadets and Air cadets. We would know these units
as school based units (SBU). As well we were competing against the elite Royal Canadian Army Cadet
National Rifle Team. To give some idea of the scale of the competition there were overall in excess
of 1,400 competitors.

The Merit List in the above events stopped at 20th position. Great results in these short range
events, particularly as we did not train for these events prior to arriving in the UK.

ADFC full bore results for the Schools Meeting.
All these matches were fired with the 7.62mm L81A2 Cadet Target Rifle. This is a serious bit of kit
developed from the Parker Hale 1200 TX Target Rifle and the M82 Sniper Rifle. Each ADFC cadet was
loaned one of these excellent rifles for the duration of the tour. Following zeroing and practice
they proved to be a very accurate rifle.

The IVEAGH Match- 500 yards - unlimited entries over three days. Open to all UK school (CCF) cadets
and overseas cadets. As you can imagine, there were many hundreds of scores entered. The merit list
went to 100th placing:
15th SGT Tim Shu Sydney Boys High School Cadet Unit
19th LCDT Zach Brown 323 SQN AAFC
58th SGT Peter Henly Knox Grammar School Cadet Unit

THE SCHOOLS ONE HUNDRED Coveted NRA Schools One Hundred badges are awarded to the one hundred
cadets with the highest aggregate scores in the major events of the Schools Meeting. This year two
of our team members qualified:
CPL Chris Budd Sydney Boys High School Cadet Unit
SGT Michael Haigh 26 ACU

THE VICTORIA COLLEGE TEAMS MATCH 600 yards. Here, we needed to enter a four member team with all
four from the one unit/school. We were competing against the best shooting schools in the UK,
schools with professional full time coaches and long histories of winning, not to mention the Royal
Canadian Army Cadet National Rifle Team.
Our team from Sydney Boys High School Cadet Unit, consisting of:
SSGT Peter Gordon, SGT Tim Shu, CPL Chris Budd, CPL Josh Scharfegger achieved the remarkable result
of 2nd place, and was each awarded an NRA Silver Medal. A remarkable achievement.

ADFC Cadets are now taken seriously by our British and Canadian cousins! We also did very well in
the Inter Services Cadet Rifle Matches (first week of Bisley) and we will post these results
shortly.

Our shooting results are very satisfying. Overall, the team's motivation, presentation and
behaviour attracted nothing but favourable comments from officials and competitors alike. I am
proud to have commanded such a team of fine young Australians.